The Nitecore P35i is the world’s first combined LED flashlight and LEP. With a maximum beam range of one mile (or 1.6 km), this unique dual-function flashlight can meet a wide range of uses with a pin-sharp single long-range beam, a traditional short-range flood light, or both. Could , Is this the ultimate EDC? maybe. At least, it solves the LEP problem.
What is LEP torch?
You’re probably familiar with LEDs—or light-emitting diodes—which are highly efficient and bright light sources used in nearly all electronics today. But have you heard of LEP? It stands for Laser Excited Phosphor, and is like a mix of a laser pointer and an LED.
Phosphors are commonly used in conventional flashlights as a filter in conjunction with blue LEDs to obtain a white light source. The LED will emit blue light, which the phosphor absorbs and turns into white. With LEP, a blue laser is used instead, pointed at a phosphor crystal, which emits a brilliant bright white light.
But why bother? How is this new LEP technology better than LED? The main reason for using LEP is that the beam can be focused more easily. This results in an extremely narrow beam that contains almost no light – similar to a real-life lightsaber.
The P35i’s LEP module manages a maximum of 410 lumens, and while this may not sound like a lot compared to the 80,000 lumens you can get from the AceBeam X75 (our review), the highly focused beam means that the amount of light Can travel for a mile. A little light can really go a long way.
However, LEP’s strength is also their greatest weakness, as the beam may be too precise for real-world use. Imagine a mountain rescue situation: being able to perfectly illuminate a square meter area half a mile away all too well and see it with crystal clarity – but without relevant information about what’s around it, you Cannot provide directions to the rescue crew to locate the target.
But the P35i combines both traditional high-brightness LEDs in a floodlight arrangement with a LEP module—giving you the option of a highly focused beam, a basic floodlight, or even a mix of the two.
And a quick caveat: This is a Class 1 laser product. With this you can burn things. Turbo mode will heat up very quickly, but only on the emitter side.
P35i Design
The P35i is definitely unique, with a space-age feel to it, especially if you’re looking straight at it. The emitter features a roughly one-inch off-center lens for the LEP module, which is surrounded by six Cree XP-G3 LEDs. Uniquely, all of them are situated in the shape of the crescent moon. In use, this doesn’t affect the output size, though you still get an excellent, wide, floodly output.
There’s a small OLED screen and mode button just below the lens shroud. This handy feature provides instant feedback on what mode and intensity is currently selected, even without turning on the light output.
The handgrip can be found on the far end of the P35i, with a curved surface for added grip. For me, the handheld area is a bit too thin and a bit too small at 1-inch in diameter, so I would have liked something bigger to grab. It also feels a bit forward-heavy until you move your grip a bit.
Overall the P35i is 7.36″ tall, and weighs 10.46 ounces (or just under 300 grams) with the battery included. The diameter at the head is 2.56″.
On the end of the P35i is the main on/off switch, which can also act as a momentary tactical switch for whichever mode was last used. The button protrudes a bit, and I can see it being accidentally pressed if you place it outside the holster.
You’ll find a USB-C charging port under a slightly annoying rubber cover next to the button, which never closes correctly and opens too easily. Getting an IP rating is definitely an afterthought; I wouldn’t suggest getting it wet.
There’s a tactical remote switch included in the box, and instead of completely replacing the tail-end switch, it plugs into a USB-C port and turns on. However, if you want to use it mounted on a rifle, you’ll need to provide your own Picatinny adapter. The tactical switch doubles as the mode and power buttons, and provides a way to strobe the P35i, which isn’t possible out of the box.
Also included in the box is one 21700 “I Series” Nightcore battery, a CR123 battery adapter, a holster, and extra O-rings.
The holster is very sturdy, and I encourage you to keep it in your pocket when not in use, and not just for security reasons. There’s no physical lockout or otherwise on the Nitecore P35i, so accidentally switching it to high LEP mode in your pocket will rip a hole in your jeans, and maybe even your leg.
P35i Operating Mode
As a dual-function flashlight, you have plenty of modes to choose from, starting with three main modes: Flood, Spot, and Mix. When the P35i is off, hold down the Mode button and click Power to cycle through them.